What You Need to Know about Mommy Makeover Recovery

After scheduling a Mommy Makeover (your own personalized combination of treatments to give you back your pre-pregnancy body), you must be wondering what comes next. Knowing what to expect brings greater peace of mind, so today we want to answer eight important FAQs about recovery.

Question 1: How long will recovery take after a Mommy Makeover?

Answer: Recovery is an individual process. Each body is different and each Mommy Makeover incorporates a unique combination of procedures, so your recovery may look different from someone else’s. Nevertheless, the following factors are part of a typical recovery:

Plan to spend a few hours in the hospital, or maybe even one night, before heading home.

Once you feel comfortable, you can start doing non-strenuous, day-to-day activities. Many people feel comfortable with light activities within 2-7 days of the procedure.

Within 2-4 weeks, most people resume their original (non-strenuous) lifestyle, returning to work and daily activities.

After 6 weeks, most people are able to return to strenuous activities, such as exercising and heavy lifting. We do encourage all patients to wait at least 6 weeks before returning to strenuous activities, to permit their bodies time to heal.

Question 2: Will I need to take time off from work?

Answer: Yes, you will need to take some time off work. Consider this a gift to yourself. Plan for a few days of rest post-surgery to rest from work, both in the office and at home. This is a legitimate excuse for a Mom-cation (a Mom vacation that is), and, let’s face it — you’ve earned it!

Question 3: Will I need to take time away from my workouts?

Answer: Yes again, and this is sometimes the hardest part for women who love fitness. However, it is essential for your health and full recovery to avoid strenuous activities (like workouts) for 6 weeks. In the long run, you’ll be glad you took the time to fully heal.

Question 4: Should I have childcare available after a Mommy Makeover?

Answer: Yes, especially if you have small children. You will need at least a few days removed from normal activity, and several weeks off from strenuous activities such as heavy lifting. If you feel guilty asking for help, don’t! Just remember that you are doing this to take care of yourself, which in turn will help you to love your family even better.

Question 5: Will I have a lot of scarring from a Mommy Makeover?

Answer: Scarring is a reality with any kind of surgery. Consider it a trade. To tighten or remove skin, an incision must be made. You get the tighter skin, but it costs a scar. In our minds, that’s a reasonable exchange. Part of the artistry of plastic surgery is making the scar as optimal (and minimal) as possible. Dr. K will make it as inconspicuous as he possibly can. You can read some reviews of Dr. K’s work here.

Question 6: Is Mommy Makeover recovery painful?

Answer: Again, recovery depends on each person’s body. In general, most patients’ discomfort is well-controlled with oral pain medication, which typically is needed only for a week. Some women also find themselves feeling more emotional for a few days after surgery. That too is normal. If you would like to talk with others who have been through the process, you may visit realself.com, a resource for women who have been through this and other surgeries, and who can provide emotional support and a listening ear.

Question 7: Will it be difficult to use the bathroom post-surgery?

Answer: Some women find that it takes longer than usual to urinate normally. This typically only lasts for a few days post-surgery, but it is useful to be prepared for the possibility. You may find that you have fewer bowel movements initially following surgery. But that too is a normal response to surgery. If you have any discomfort or if something seems unusual, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Question 8: How can I maintain my results after a Mommy Makeover?

Answer: Honestly, there is nothing special or magical that you need to do. Follow a healthy lifestyle. Work out regularly, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and drink enough water. Of course, if you subsequently gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant again, that will change your results. That is why it is important to already be living a maintainable healthy lifestyle and know that you are finished having children before scheduling a Mommy Makeover.

We hope our answers to these Mommy Makeover FAQs can put your mind at ease. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at 518-346-0002 with questions before and after your surgery. We are excited for you and delighted to be of help!